Architects and designers have a responsibility to provide an inclusive built environment. However, for those with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the built environment can be a frightening and confusing place, difficult to negotiate and tolerate. The challenge of integrating more fully into society is denied by an alienating built…

The view is presented that the kinds of dependent behavior elicited in an institutional setting can be avoided by modifying architectural concepts. Among the findings, which may influence institutional architecture, services, and programs, it was ascertained that the configuration of residence corridors is critical. (Author)

The relationship of architectural value to significant human experience and in particular to basic educational goals is explored. Questions are raised as to if and how the physical environment informs, shapes, and liberates the human spirit. Some topics are--(1) architectural character, (2) the design needs of education, (3) educational…

A record and assessment of the important environmental features of office buildings erected between 1948 and 1961 in the business center of London, England, has been assembled. This survey gives an overall picture of the main trends in office building and architecture and examines their consequences in terms of user satisfactions and complaints.…

The basic concepts and several examples of the effects of the physical environment on man are discussed. Aesthetic judgments of the environment are related primarily to the physiological well-being of an individual and secondarily to his social experiences. Excessive loading of any one of the senses can prevent a balanced assessment of the…

This guide addresses the planning and architectural design of play/learning environments for special needs children. The exceptional children discussed include those with most types of mild to severe handicaps and developmental disabilities. Specifically excluded from consideration are health impairments, severe psycho-emotional difficulties such…

The project on physical environment and special education attempted to formulate research based statements that would assist both special educators and architects in designing educational facilities for special education. The major implication of all findings was that a dearth existed in educators and facility planners who were trained and/or…

Architect Donald Barthelme expresses a personal concept of an architectural-educational philosophy and presents his design concept for a new kind of campus. He classifies two types of architecture--(1) architecture which places the opportunity to build ahead of any obligation to people, and (2) architecture which places a primary interest and…

The purpose of this book is to help designers and teachers think about the quality of outside school environments as learning places. The first chapter defines the players' roles as: (1) the designer, a maker of school form; (2) the teacher, the maintainer of the environment; and (3) the child, who is a major force in the use of the space. These…

The statements and notations in this report have been abstracted from 12 interdisciplinary conferences conducted on subjects related to social and environmental variables as determinants of mental health plus one conference on recreation. This summary reflects the essence of statements that may have a direct or indirect bearing on considerations…

A bibliography on sources related to the structuring of the physical environment has been developed based on professional and classroom experience. This initial selection of journals, books, and unpublished papers gives an overview of man and the environmental conditions which are part of his daily living pattern. Information leading to design…